Virginia Commonwealth University

A former Virginia Commonwealth University student has pleaded guilty to hazing and serving alcohol to a minor in connection with a 19-year-old freshman’s death from alcohol poisoning after a fraternity party

Officials say eight Virginia Commonwealth University students have been charged with hazing in a fraternity pledge’s death from alcohol poisoning after a party earlier this year. Three others who were indicted are expected to surrender in the coming days, police said.

The rate of excess deaths in the U.S. — deaths above the number that would be expected based on averages from the previous five years — is usually consistent, fluctuating 1% to 2% from year to year. But from March 1, 2020, to Jan. 2, 2021, excess deaths rose a staggering 23% nationally, fueled by COVID-19.

A 19-year-old student at Virginia Commonwealth University and member of the Delta Chi fraternity was found dead Saturday morning, leaving behind devastated parents and classmates.